Spaghetti Bolognese is one of the most popular pasta dishes in the United States. This Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is inspired by the traditional ragù alla bolognese from Bologna, Italy, but adapted to American tastes with a rich, hearty, and flavorful sauce. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this homemade Bolognese sauce is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Want to make a restaurant-quality Spaghetti Bolognese at home? Follow this step-by-step guide and discover all the secrets to achieving the perfect balance of flavors!
Prep Time: 15minutes Cook Time: 40minutes Total Time: 55minutes Servings:4
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 14 oz (400g) spaghetti
- Salted water for boiling
For the Bolognese sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 lb (500g) ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream (optional, for a richer sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, reserving a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
Prepare the Bolognese Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Brown the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Build the Sauce
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine (if using), sugar, oregano, and basil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer to Perfection
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If using milk or heavy cream, add it in the last 10 minutes for a smooth, rich texture.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
Adjust the Consistency
- If the sauce thickens too much, add some reserved pasta water or broth to adjust.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Optional: Add fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations for a Perfect Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
- Cooking the Meat → For extra flavor, brown the ground beef well before adding the tomatoes. The caramelization (Maillard reaction) enhances the depth of the sauce. Adding a small amount of pancetta or lardons can also bring a richer taste.
- Quick Version for Busy Nights: If you’re short on time, use a high-quality marinara sauce and enhance it with garlic, red wine, and fresh herbs for a Bolognese in 20-25 minutes.
- Longer cooking = deeper flavor → Let the sauce simmer for up to 2 hours on low heat to develop a richer, more complex taste. Stir occasionally and add a bit of broth or pasta water if it thickens too much.
- Make-ahead & freeze → This sauce tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick and delicious meal anytime.
- Want more veggies? → Enhance the flavor and nutrition by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Finely chopped vegetables blend well into the sauce, making it heartier and more wholesome.
- Gluten-free option → Swap regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, such as rice, quinoa, or chickpea-based varieties, without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Vegetarian alternative → For a meat-free version, substitute ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives. These ingredients absorb the sauce’s flavors beautifully while adding protein and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not simmering long enough → The longer it cooks, the better the flavor. Let it simmer for at least 40 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper taste.
- Using too many tomatoes → A traditional Bolognese is meat-forward, with tomatoes playing a supporting ingredient.
- Skipping the milk or cream → This ingredient balances the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a smoother texture.
- Not browning the meat properly → Sautéing the meat until it develops a deep color enhances the umami flavor.
Garnishing & Serving Suggestions
- Add ricotta or burrata for extra creaminess.
- Drizzle with high-quality olive oil for enhanced richness.
- Top with Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste.
The History Behind Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Many believe Spaghetti Bolognese is an authentic Italian dish, but the traditional ragù alla bolognese from Bologna is actually served with tagliatelle, not spaghetti. The classic Italian version is a slow-cooked meat sauce made with finely chopped beef, pancetta, vegetables, wine, and milk or cream, creating a richer and less tomato-heavy flavor than the American adaptation.
As Italian immigrants settled in the U.S., the dish evolved using locally available ingredients. Spaghetti, more accessible than fresh tagliatelle, became the preferred pasta, and the sauce developed into the hearty, tomato-based version loved today. Though different from the original, Spaghetti Bolognese remains a beloved comfort food worldwide, bringing warmth and tradition to every table.
Enjoy This Homemade Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe!
Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a timeless comfort food that brings people together. Its rich, savory sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta makes it a go-to dish for family dinners, cozy nights in, or meal prepping. Plus, its versatility allows you to customize it to your taste, whether by adding more vegetables, making it creamier, or trying a vegetarian version.
Why not bring this classic to your table tonight? Follow this easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe, pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Tried this Spaghetti Bolognese recipe? Share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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